One of the most popular of Shakespeare's plays, King Lear is also one of the most thought-provoking. The play turns on the practical ramifications of the words of Christ that we should render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's. When confronted with the demand that she should render unto Caesar that which is God's, Cordelia chooses to "love and be silent". As the play unfolds each of the principal characters learns wisdom through suffering. This edition includes new critical essays by some of the leading lights in contemporary literary scholarship.

The Ignatius Critical Editions represent a tradition-oriented alternative to popular textbook series such as the Norton Critical Editions or Oxford World Classics, and are designed to concentrate on traditional readings of the Classics of world literature. While many modern critical editions have succumbed to the fads of modernism and post-modernism, this series will concentrate on tradition-oriented criticism of these great works.
Edited by acclaimed literary biographer, Joseph Pearce, the Ignatius Critical Editions will ensure that traditional moral readings of the works are given prominence, instead of the feminist, or deconstructionist readings that often proliferate in other series of 'critical editions'. As such, they represent a genuine extension of consumer-choice, enabling educators, students and lovers of good literature to buy editions of classic literary works without having to 'buy into' the ideologies of secular fundamentalism.
The series is ideal for anyone wishing to understand great works of western civilization, enabling the modern reader to enjoy these classics in the company of some of the finest literature professors alive today.

"Critical editions that treat great books as though they were a living part of the great tradition. It’s a sad commentary on our times that this should seem an innovation. Still, at least it has allowed Ignatius Press to offer this important series. Students and scholars will be forever grateful."Joseph Bottum, First Things.

"To step out of the assumptions of one's own time and place; to understand the literary classic with the mind and heart of the author requires such a breadth of understanding and grasp of history and tradition that few publishers attempt it and fewer still succeed at it. Ignatius Critical Editions, edited by Joseph Pearce, has succeeded admirably." Patrick S.J. Carmack, President, Great Books Academy, Great Books Program, and the Angelicum Academy

"The real battle for America’s soul is not waged in legislative halls but in lecture halls. Congratulations to the courageous souls at Ignatius Press for firing off what is nothing less than a direct hit in the culture war. For too long, the Western Canon has been co-opted by those who, in fact, hate the West and the three things for which she stands: the good, the beautiful, and the true. These magnificent editions, edited by a scholar who loves all three, belong on the shelves of every campus bookstore, every high-school classroom, and every home school."Christopher Check, Executive Vice President, The Rockford Institute

"The Ignatius Critical Editions are a smart and long overdue response to the literary hijacking of the classics. Three cheers for Joseph Pearce and Ignatius Press!"  Chris Michalski, ISI Books, Imprint of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute

"For many years I've avoided recent "critical" editions, stuffed and padded as they are with political faddists and special interest hacks. What a delight to find an edition of a work of literary art treated with the reverence, the critical tact, and the wonder its beauty and wisdom demand!"Anthony Esolen, Ph.D.,Professor of Renaissance English, Providence College